§ Mr. Gerald HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the time interval is between pilots completing fast jet training and beginning operational conversion unit training in respect of the(a) Tornado GR4, (b) Tornado F3, (c) Harrier and (d) Jaguar. [132551]
§ Mr. IngramFollowing completion of fast jet training, all pilots from the RN and the RAF are selected to join a specific Operational Conversion Unit (OCU). The length of time pilots wait to join their allotted OCU depends on the availability of spaces at the OCU.
During these periods, trainees are attached to units to enhance their general service knowledge. Refresher training is normally undertaken at RAF Valley in the event of time intervals exceeding 20 weeks between the completion of flying training and the formal start of the OCU.